These wings were quickly associated with the Roman god Mercury, however, and the coin became known as the Mercury Dime.

The back of this dime piece features a fasces, another design that was taken from the Ancient Roman world.

A fasces is a battle ax surrounded by a bundle of sticks which symbolizes strength and unity.

The combination of the fasces and the olive branch, also seen on the reverse of the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was intended to symbolize that America had a strong desire for peace, but was ready for war if the need arose.